School Worker Had Sex With 2 Teens, Deputies Say

A 45-year-old New Port Richey woman faces a host of charges after Pasco County deputies say she had sex with two teenage boys.

Diane Blankenship was charged in the cases Friday after deputies investigated allegations the Dayspring Academy charter school employee had sex with two boys, ages 14 and 17. She is accused of engaging in sexual activity with the 14-year-old in December 2014 while riding in the backseat of her own vehicle, an email to media from the sheriff’s office stated. A friend of the teen was driving the vehicle at the time, deputies said.

Blankenship is also accused of visiting the 17-year-old’s home and having sex before she reported to school one day.

Deputies have not said what position Blankenship holds at Dayspring. They have, however, said they are investigating to determine if there are additional victims.

Blankenship was charged with one count of lewd and lascivious battery and one count of unlawful sexual activity. She was booked into the Land O’ Lakes Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond. She remained in custody Saturday afternoon.

Booking photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

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